When people hear “Preparing for Adulthood”, they often think of sixth form, college, or what happens after school.
But in reality, preparation starts much earlier.
For children and young people with SEND, early, intentional preparation can shape long-term, outcomes—particularly in relation to independence, wellbeing, and employment. It is important for them to be aspirational, dynamic, entrepreneurial, and realistic.
What is “preparing for adulthood”?
Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) focuses on four key areas:
- Employment
- Independent living
- Community inclusion
- Health
These should be embedded throughout a young person’s journey—not left until the final years of education.
The missing link: employment pathways
One of the most overlooked areas is employment.
Too often, young people move through education without meaningful exposure to the workplace.
Strong Preparing for Adulthood planning should include:
- Early conversations about strengths and interests
- Real-life experiences of work environments
- Clear pathways into opportunities such as supported internships and supported employment
These models are proven to help young people with SEND move into sustainable, meaningful employment—with the right support in place.
Start earlier: what this looks like in practice
Ages 5–11 (Primary Years)
- Build communication and confidence
- Encourage decision-making
- Develop independence through small responsibilities
Focus: confidence and voice
Ages 11–14 (Early Secondary)
- Explore interests linked to future roles
- Develop independence skills
- Begin participation in EHCP discussions
Focus: awareness and engagement
Ages 14–16 (Key Transition Phase)
- Introduce clear employment pathways
- Begin exposure to workplaces
- Consider supported internships as a future route
- Ensure EHCP outcomes are specific and ambitious
Focus: direction and opportunity
Ages 16+ (Post-16 and Beyond)
- Access supported internships or supported employment opportunities
- Build real-world experience with structured support
- Continue developing independence and life skills
Focus: sustainable outcomes
When things don’t go to plan?
Even with the right framework, families often face challenges:
- EHCPs that don’t reflect real aspirations
- Disagreements around provision or placement
- Delays in decision-making
In these situations, having the right support can make a significant difference.
A constructive, solution-focused approach—through advocacy, mediation, and clear communication—can help ensure that the young person’s long-term outcomes remain at the centre of decisions.
What good looks like
Effective Preparing for Adulthood planning should be:
- Person-centred
- Aspirational but realistic
- Clearly linked to real-life outcomes (especially employment)
- Supported by joined-up working across services
A simple starting point for families
Ask yourself:
- What does my child enjoy?
- What are their strengths?
- What could their future look like?
- What small step can we take this year?
How Future Ready SEND can help
Future Ready SEND supports families and professionals to:
- Turn EHCPs into meaningful, outcome-focused plans
- Navigate key transition points
- Build pathways into employment, including supported internships
- Provide advocacy and mediation support where needed
- Support the Annual Review process
Final thought
Preparing for adulthood isn’t something that starts at 16.
It’s built over time—with the right support, the right opportunities, and the right expectations.
References
Department for Education (2015) Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years.
Department for Education (2014) Children and Families Act 2014.
BASE UK. What is Supported Employment?
BASE UK. Supported Internships Guidance.
National Development Team for Inclusion. Preparing for Adulthood Resources.
Department for Work and Pensions (2017) Improving Lives: The Future of Work, Health and Disability.
Ofsted (2021) SEND Review: Right Support, Right Place, Right Time.
